On Tuesday, OnePlus launched two new smartphones in the US: the flagship OnePlus 13 and the more affordable OnePlus 13R. The OnePlus 13 is available for purchase starting January 7, while the OnePlus 13R will be available from January 14.
OnePlus 13: Premium Features at a Competitive Price
The OnePlus 13, starting at $899.99 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model, offers cutting-edge performance, a high-quality camera system, and a sleek design.
Available in the "Black Eclipse" colorway, it boasts a 6.8-inch ProXDR display with a variable 1-120Hz refresh rate and up to 1440p resolution. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, delivering exceptional performance, with benchmark results surpassing many other Android phones.
The OnePlus 13 features a robust three-lens camera system with three 50MP sensors (main, ultrawide, and 3x zoom), supported by Hasselblad’s expert camera tuning. Initial testing shows the OnePlus 13 excels in capturing vibrant, lifelike photos, particularly during golden hour, with only minor concerns about shadows in some images.
Battery life is impressive, with its 6,000mAh battery providing excellent longevity, especially with its efficient 1080p display resolution. The device supports super-fast 80W charging, far outpacing competitors like the iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S24. Additionally, it includes a charger in the box, a rare feature among US smartphones.
OnePlus also introduces a new Glove Mode and Aqua Touch 2.0 to enhance usability in specific conditions like wet fingers or wearing gloves. With an IP69 rating for water and dust resistance, the OnePlus 13 is built to withstand harsher conditions.
OnePlus 13R: Affordable Performance with Some Trade-offs
Starting at $599.99, the OnePlus 13R offers an impressive value proposition. It retains much of the OnePlus 13's hardware, including a 6.8-inch display and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the same chip powering the Samsung Galaxy S24 series.
While the OnePlus 13R is likely to deliver similar performance in day-to-day tasks, the camera system has been downgraded. The OnePlus 13R uses Sony sensors, which lack the Hasselblad tuning found in the OnePlus 13.
However, the phone features a more universally useful zoom lens instead of a niche macro camera, making it a better fit for most users. The OnePlus 13R also lacks wireless charging, but at its price, it still offers great value, especially considering its flagship-level specs.
Pricing, Offers, and Availability
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OnePlus 13:
- 12GB RAM, 256GB storage: $899.99 (Black Eclipse)
- 16GB RAM, 512GB storage: $999.99 (available in Black, Arctic Dawn, and Midnight Ocean)
- Available from January 7 on OnePlus and Best Buy, with Amazon availability later.
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OnePlus 13R:
- 12GB RAM, 256GB storage: $599.99 (Nebula Noir and Astral Trail)
- Preorders start on January 7, with full availability on January 14 via OnePlus and Best Buy.
Promotions
- Trade-In Offers: OnePlus offers up to $899 for eligible trade-ins when buying directly from its website.
- Best Buy: $100 gift card with purchase of either model.
- OnePlus 13R Extras: Free gift options include the OnePlus Watch 2, Watch 2R, or Buds Pro 3 with purchases from OnePlus.
The OnePlus 13 offers flagship-level performance, an excellent camera system, and solid battery life for a competitive price, making it an appealing option for those seeking top-tier features.
Meanwhile, the OnePlus 13R provides a great value for users who want high-end performance at a more budget-friendly price, though it comes with some compromises in the camera department and lacks wireless charging.
With both phones available in early January, OnePlus continues to deliver strong options for both premium and mid-range smartphone buyers.
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